‘Staggering’ 75% of nursing homes almost never meet expected RN staffing levels, study finds
By
Kimberly Marselas
Jul 01, 2019
Three-fourths of the nation’s nursing homes never meet federal staffing expectations for registered nurse staffing, and RNs are often missing from such facilities on the weekends, according to a new...
State doubles support for Medicaid-dependent nursing homes
By
Kimberly Marselas
Jul 01, 2019
After struggling with shortfalls for years, Pennsylvania’s nursing home operators are cheering a state budget that will double funds available to facilities with the highest Medicaid census. The spending...
High-dose flu vaccines reduce hospitalizations, overall Medicare costs in nursing homes
By
Kimberly Marselas
Jul 01, 2019
High-dose flu vaccinations are worth the extra cost for seniors living in long-term care, according to researchers at Brown University. Higher-dose shots cut hospitalization rates compared to their standard-dose...
Also in the News for Tuesday, July 2
Jul 01, 2019
SentosaCare owner, partner to take over pediatric LTC facility where 11 children died from adenovirus … SNFs in Ohio no longer allowed to bill hospice residents for room and board … Police say...
Questions about PDPM, therapy and coding still stirring 3 months out
By
Kimberly Marselas
Jun 30, 2019
With exactly three months until the launch of a groundbreaking new payment methodology, many in the long-term care industry are still looking for answers to key questions about coding and therapy services...
Bill would prevent firing employees who refuse vaccines
By
Kimberly Marselas
Jun 30, 2019
Nursing homes, hospitals and other employers who require workers to get flu or measles vaccinations would not be able to punish employees who refuse them under pending Ohio legislation. House Bill 268...
Encompass disputes allegations of rehab for patients who were ‘too sick,’ pays $48M in ‘whistleblower’...
By
Kimberly Marselas
Jun 30, 2019
Inpatient rehab operator Encompass Health Corporation allegedly admitted patients who were ineligible because they were too sick or disabled to participate in intensive therapy, according to a settlement...
Also in the News for Monday, July 1
Jun 30, 2019
Senate leader blasts slow pace of Medicaid fraud busting … FDA warns about hackable insulin pumps, recall begins … Multi-state nursing home company moving residents as it plans to convert facility...
Embattled Skyline operators fined $85k for wage theft
By
Kimberly Marselas
Jun 27, 2019
The penalties do not include $64,749 in back wages, which were covered by court-appointed receiver KCP Advisory Group.
Auditor: Medicaid managed care companies violated contracts by encouraging nursing homes for quadriplegics
By
Kimberly Marselas
Jun 27, 2019
Two insurance companies that manage Medicaid in Iowa have breached their government contracts, according to the state’s auditor. Rob Sand has referred two cases he is investigating to the state...